Attempted Bloggery: Mickey Mouse 50th Anniversary Commemorative Cel Portfolio

Friday, July 20, 2012

Mickey Mouse 50th Anniversary Commemorative Cel Portfolio

In 1978, Disney issued the Mickey Mouse 50th Anniversary Commemorative Cel Portfolio. This portfolio consists of limited edition, hand-painted animation cels reconstructed from four classic Mickey Mouse film shorts. You probably already know "The Band Concert" (1935), which I make it a point to bring up regularly on summer Fridays, at least until I run out of material or get bored. "The Band Concert" is the first color cartoon to feature Mickey Mouse, and to this day it's a great cartoon by any criteria.

"The Simple Things" (1953) is Mickey's final theatrical film short. I was never a huge fan of this short, but it is the closing parenthesis on Mickey's career in animated short films for the cinema. "Mickey's Birthday Party" (1942) seems quite appropriate to include in this 50th birthday set. "Steamboat Willie" (1928), of course, is Mickey's first theatrical film release, although it was actually made after "Plane Crazy" (1929).

I have never myself sought to own a limited edition animation cel, although I believe many of the very best and most affordable animation cel images can be found in this form. The often-excellent images must be weighted against the fact that none of these cels is really a part of film history. Each and every one is created solely for the animation art market, not for the movies, sometimes many decades after the film being celebrated. In theory, at least, Disney can look at editions that sell out and, if demand is strong, create another similar but distinct limited edition at any time. So while I wouldn't count on them being outstanding investments, I think it's a fine idea to pick a few of these up at sensible prices for enjoyment on your wall.

This portfolio did not sell at Bonhams last year, despite the reasonable $500-$700 estimate. Another set is currently on eBay with an opening bid of $2,750.

Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck from "The Band Concert" (1935)
Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse 50th Anniversary Commemorative Cel Portfolio, no. 100/275, 1978

Mickey Mouse and Pluto from "The Simple Things" (1953)
Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse 50th Anniversary Commemorative Cel Portfolio, no. 100/275, 1978

The classic couple Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse from "Mickey's Birthday Party" (1942)
Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse 50th Anniversary Commemorative Cel Portfolio, no. 100/275, 1978

Mickey Mouse faces off with Pete in"Steamboat Willie" (1928)
Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse 50th Anniversary Commemorative Cel Portfolio, no. 100/275, 1978